Ghana's mining sector can become a significant engine of industrialisation by developing its human capital. This includes fostering local enterprises capable of designing, manufacturing, and maintaining mining technologies. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, stated this at a recent conference.
Dr. Ashigbey highlighted that the future of mining will increasingly involve automation, remote operations, and intelligent systems. However, he stressed that success ultimately depends on people with the right skills and knowledge. These individuals must manage and improve emerging technologies within the industry.
This focus on human resource development fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy to add value to its raw materials. The mining sector contributes significantly to Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and export earnings. Enhancing local capabilities reduces reliance on foreign expertise and boosts domestic economic growth. This aligns with national goals for industrial transformation and job creation.
“True localisation is the localisation of capabilities. It is knowledge transfer, technological competence, research capability and original knowledge,” Dr. Ashigbey explained. He made these remarks at the seventh Biennial Human Resource Conference of the Ghana Chamber of Mines in Accra. The conference theme was ‘Future-Ready People: Building the Workforce for Ghana’s Next Era of Mining.’
The implications are clear for both policy makers and mining companies. Ghana must invest more in technical education and vocational training programs. Companies must also create environments that encourage innovation and continuous learning among their employees. This will ensure the workforce is prepared for the technological shifts already reshaping the industry.
Dr. Ashigbey urged Human Resources (HR) professionals to redefine localisation. He advised them to focus on developing Ghanaian capabilities rather than just increasing the number of Ghanaians employed. He challenged the industry to consider if Ghanaian professionals are merely operating imported technologies. Instead, they should be developing skills to design, manufacture, and improve these systems.
The mining industry of the future will require workers who can “learn, unlearn and relearn” as technology evolves. Dr. Ashigbey called on mining companies to create workplaces where employees can experiment and question existing practices. This fosters innovation without fear of failure, while maintaining strict safety and operational standards. He emphasized the need for intelligent experimentation and testing ideas.
He also advocated for stronger collaboration between universities and industry. This includes industrial attachments, joint research, and mentorship programs. Experienced mining professionals should share their expertise with students. Dr. Ashigbey noted, “Our greatest untapped resource is our human potential.”
Mrs. Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, also spoke at the conference. She urged employers to invest in building the digital skills of their workforce. This is essential to meet the changing demands of the labour market. Mrs. Obo-Nai, who was the guest of honour, highlighted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of work. Continuous skills development is therefore crucial for employers and HR professionals.
Mrs. Obo-Nai framed the future of work not as a contest between humans and machines. Instead, she saw it as an opportunity to combine human intelligence with AI. She stated, “The real story about people is not about machines. It is about people who will explore and combine both HI and AI.” HR professionals must move beyond simply filling existing vacancies. They need to identify the future capabilities their organisations will require. A future-ready workforce begins with a future-ready HR team, she added.
Technologies such as autonomous mining vehicles, AI-driven mineral processing, and drones are already reshaping the mining industry. Mrs. Obo-Nai stressed the need for sustained investment in people. This ensures Ghana can fully leverage opportunities presented by the next era of mining. This strategic investment in human capital will secure Ghana's competitive edge in the global mining landscape.